7 MAC Pt. 183
Mississippi Secondary Curriculum Frameworks in Career and Technical Education,
Cite as 7 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 183
Title 7: Education K-12
Part 183: Mississippi Secondary Curriculum Frameworks in Career and Technical Education,
Entrepreneurship CTE
2 023 En tr ep r en eu r sh ip
Program CIP: 52.0701— Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies
Direct inquiries to:
Instructional Design Specialist
Mississippi Department of Education
Research and Curriculum Unit
P.O. Box 771
P.O. Drawer DX
Jackson, MS 39205
Mississippi State, MS 39762
601.359.3077
662.325.2510
Published by:
Mississippi Department of Education
Research and Curriculum Unit
Jackson, MS 39205
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762
The Research and Curriculum Unit (RCU), located in Starkville, as part of Mississippi State
University (MSU), was established to foster educational enhancements and innovations. In
keeping with the land-grant mission of MSU, the RCU is dedicated to improving the quality of
life for Mississippians. The RCU enhances intellectual and professional development of
Mississippi students and educators while applying knowledge and educational research to the
lives of the people of the state. The RCU works within the contexts of curriculum development
and revision, research, assessment, professional development, and industrial training.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
The Entrepreneurship curriculum was presented to the Mississippi State Board of Education on
April 19, 2023. The following persons were serving on the state board at the time:
Michael D. Kent, interim state superintendent of education
Mrs. Rosemary G. Aultman, chair
Mr. Glen V. East, vice chair
Mrs. Mary Werner
Dr. Ronnie L. McGehee
Dr. Wendi Barrett
Mr. Matt Miller
Mr. Bill Jacobs
Ms. Micah Hill, student representative
Mr. Charlie Fruge’, student representative
The following Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and RCU managers and specialists
assisted in the development of the Entrepreneurship curriculum:
Wendy Clemons, the associate state superintendent of the MDE Office of Secondary,
Professional Development, and Career Technical Education, supported the RCU and
teachers throughout the development of the framework and supporting materials.
Betsey Smith, the director of the RCU, supported RCU staff and teachers throughout the
development of this framework and supporting materials.
Courtney McCubbins, the curriculum manager of the RCU, supported RCU staff and
teachers throughout the development of this framework and supporting materials.
Angie Davis, a project manager with the RCU, researched and coauthored this
framework. helpdesk@rcu.msstate.edu
Special thanks are extended to the educators who contributed teaching and assessment materials
that are included in the framework and supporting materials:
Jessica Beaird, Starkville High School, Starkville
Shelia Cole-Johnson, Holmes County Central High School, Lexington
Tina Craft, Richland High School, Richland
Amy Dotson, Tishomingo County High School, Iuka
Dre` Helms, Florence High School, Florence
Arlene Monk, Forest High School, Forest
Adrain Lynch, Belmont High School, Belmont
Standards
Some standards and alignment crosswalks are referenced in the appendix. Depending on the
curriculum, these crosswalks should identify alignment to some of the standards mentioned
below, as well as possible related academic topics as required in the Subject Area Testing
Program in Algebra I, Biology I, English II, and U.S. History from 1877, which could be
integrated into the content of the units. Mississippi’s CTE Entrepreneurship curriculum is
aligned to the following standards:
National Standards for Business Education
The National Business Education Association (NBEA) has created standards to introduce
students to the basics of personal finance, the decision-making techniques needed to be wise
consumers, the economic principles of an increasingly global marketplace, and the processes by
which businesses operate. In addition, these standards provide a solid educational foundation for
students who successfully want to complete college programs in various business disciplines.
NBEA Business Education Library (2020).
nbea.org
International Society for Technology in Education Standards (ISTE)
Reprinted with permission from ISTE Standards for Students (2016). All rights reserved.
Permission does not constitute an endorsement by ISTE.
iste.org
College- and Career-Readiness Standards
College- and career-readiness standards emphasize critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-
solving skills. Students will learn the skills and abilities demanded by the workforce of today and
the future. Mississippi adopted Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards (MCCRS)
to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn and so
teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them.
mdek12.org/oae/college-and-career-readiness-standards
Framework for 21st Century Learning
In defining 21st-century learning, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills has embraced key
themes and skill areas that represent the essential knowledge for the 21st century: global
awareness; financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy; civic literacy; health
literacy; environmental literacy; learning and innovation skills; information, media, and
technology skills; and life and career skills.
battelleforkids.org/networks/p21/frameworks-resources
Preface
Secondary CTE programs in Mississippi face many challenges resulting from sweeping
educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being
held accountable for providing applied learning activities to every student in the classroom. This
accountability is measured through increased requirements for mastery and attainment of
competency as documented through both formative and summative assessments. This document
provides information, tools, and solutions that will aid students, teachers, and schools in creating
and implementing applied, interactive, and innovative lessons. Through best practices, alignment
with national standards and certifications, community partnerships, and a hands-on, student-
centered concept, educators will be able to truly engage students in meaningful and collaborative
learning opportunities.
The courses in this document reflect the statutory requirements as found in Section 37-3-49,
Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended (Section 37-3-46). In addition, this curriculum reflects
guidelines imposed by federal and state mandates (Laws, 1988, Ch. 487, §14; Laws, 1991, Ch.
423, §1; Laws, 1992, Ch. 519, §4 eff. from and after July 1, 1992; Strengthening Career and
Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, 2019 [Perkins V]; and Every Student Succeeds
Act, 2015).
Executive Summary
Course Description
Entrepreneurship introduces students to elements that will help contribute to success in owning
and operating a business. This course incorporates entrepreneurial skills and trends along with
idea generation and validation. Students will gain knowledge in areas such as finance,
accounting, marketing, economics, and management as they pertain to owning your own
business. This course will examine legal concepts, business models, Lean Canvas, and business
planning.
Applied Academic Credit
The latest academic credit information can be found at
mdek12.org/ese/approved-course-for-the-secondary-schools.
Teacher Licensure
The latest teacher licensure information can be found at
mdek12.org/oel/apply-for-an-educator-license.
Professional Learning
If you have specific questions about the content of any of training sessions provided, please
contact the RCU at 662.325.2510.
Course Outline
One 1-Carnegie Unit Course
This curriculum consists of one 1-credit course.
Entrepreneurship—Course Code: 990003
Unit
Title
Hours
Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurial Skills
Entrepreneurial Trends
Idea Generation and Validation
Finance and Accounting
Marketing and Economics
Management
Legal Concepts
Business Models, Lean Canvas, and Planning
Total
Professional Organizations
Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
http://www.deca.org/
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
http://www.fbla-pbl.org/
Unit 1: Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurial Skills
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Examine the role entrepreneurs play in today’s economy and recognize the unique personal
characteristics and skills that successful entrepreneurs possess. DOK2
a. Define entrepreneur and entrepreneurship.
b. Describe the differences between being an entrepreneur and an employee.
c. Identify the benefits and evaluate the risks of being an entrepreneur.
d. Analyze the trade-offs between the roles of an entrepreneur and an employee.
e. Differentiate between an entrepreneur and intrapreneur.
2. Identify the characteristics and skills of a successful entrepreneur. DOK1
a. Compare and contrast one’s personal characteristics and skills with an entrepreneur’s.
b. Self-assess one’s personal qualifications and readiness to become an entrepreneur.
3. Identify effective communication methods used in business. DOK1
a. Select, evaluate, and demonstrate effective communication techniques for business.
b. Analyze the causes of communication failure and develop solutions to address said
failures.
c. Utilize communication and organizational skills to develop a personal network.
4. Investigate ethical practices in business. DOK3
a. Define ethics and identify common ethical issues entrepreneurs encounter.
b. Discuss examples of honest and dishonest business practices.
c. Demonstrate integrity in relationships, decision-making, and communication.
d. Analyze the effect of unethical behavior on a business.
e. Develop a code of ethics for a business venture.
f. Apply ethics to business decision-making.
5. Evaluate the importance of collaboration in entrepreneurship. DOK3
a. Demonstrate the ability to work in a team.
b. Prepare for and effectively participate in business collaborations with diverse partners.
c. Collaborate to resolve ethical lapses or failures.
Unit 2: Entrepreneurial Trends
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Recognize trends in society that can lead to entrepreneurial opportunities. DOK1
a. Define social entrepreneurship.
b. Define environmental entrepreneurship.
c. Identify and discuss various groups and stakeholders impacted by business.
d. Identify potential solutions for social and environmental concerns.
e. Discuss the ethical dilemma between what is profitable and what is socially
responsible.
f. Research business methods and develop product ideas that are socially and
environmentally responsible.
g. Create, organize, and manage a venture to achieve social and environmental change.
2. Identify and capitalize on the importance of trends in entrepreneurship. DOK2
a. Identify trends that create business opportunities.
b. Identify Political, Environmental, Societal, Technological, Legal, Economic (PESTLE)
trends.
c. Identify threats to a business that result from changing trends.
d. Forecast future trends based on research and analysis of current trends.
Unit 3: Idea Generation and Validation
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Investigate lean startup methods to generate, develop, and test ideas to identify market and
business opportunities. DOK3
a. Recognize opportunities resulting from other peoples’ wants and perceived needs.
b. Generate solution ideas for products and/or services to meet consumers’ needs.
c. Brainstorm ideas for a new product or service.
d. Identify and evaluate consumer pains and problems through a customer discovery
process (e.g., surveys, secondary research, etc.).
e. Refine an existing product or service based on opportunity gaps in the marketplace.
2. Discuss the value proposition as it relates to lean startups. DOK2
a. Describe the value proposition for a product or service solution.
3. Test and validate solution ideas as it relates to product development. DOK4
a. Define prototyping.
b. Design a simplistic prototype (e.g., sketch, model, etc.).
c. Ask for feedback on a solution idea from a relevant stakeholder.
d. Define product life cycle.
e. Define customer validation.
f. Define minimum viable product (MVP) and describe its role and importance.
g. Analyze where the market stands in a product’s life cycle.
h. Develop a feedback summary report based on validation efforts.
Unit 4: Finance and Accounting
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Identify financial resources necessary for an entrepreneurial venture. DOK1
a. Explain the role of seed or startup money for an entrepreneurial venture.
b. Determine the resources needed to start a business venture (e.g., materials, labor, etc.).
c. Determine the costs of starting a business venture.
d. Identify projected operational expenses.
e. Project the total cash needed to start a business (e.g., startup costs, ongoing operational
expenses, and cash reserves).
f. Project ongoing cash needs for a business venture.
2. Identify common sources from which entrepreneurs can obtain funding. DOK2
a. Discuss potential sources of funding (e.g., mortgage, short-term loan, long-term loan,
grants, angel network, investor, credit line, crowdfunding, etc.)
b. Differentiate between debt and equity financing and explain the advantages and
disadvantages of each.
c. Discuss the concept of bootstrapping.
d. Assess the role of government assistance in the growth and development of a small
business.
e. Research alternative options to obtain financing.
3. Recognize that entrepreneurs must establish, maintain, and analyze appropriate records
using financial concepts to make a business decision. DOK2
a. Identify the reasons for keeping accurate business records and financial statements
(e.g., income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, etc.).
b. Identify and describe various financial statements and the data in each (e.g., income
statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, etc.).
c. Prepare basic financial statements (e.g., income statement, balance sheet, cash flow
statement, etc.).
d. Compare actual income and expenses budgeted for a specific period.
Unit 5: Marketing and Economics
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Develop a marketing strategy to introduce a product or service. DOK3
a. Define the purpose of marketing in an entrepreneurial venture.
b. Define and give examples of market segmentation methods.
c. Identify and describe target markets.
d. Define and give examples of various market types.
e. Discuss the concept of market share.
f. Utilize primary and secondary data sources to define a target market.
2. Identify and describe the traditional elements of marketing, known as the 4 Ps (i.e.,
product, price, place, promotion). DOK2
a. Identify the features and benefits of a product.
b. Discuss the importance of pricing with respect to cost and profit.
c. Explain the importance of location for a business (e.g., online, physical).
d. Describe the promotional mix and prepare appropriate promotional activities for a
business.
3. Explain strategies for sustaining and growing the market. DOK2
a. Define customer service.
b. Identify ways to respond to customer concerns and why it is important.
c. Define customer loyalty and discuss why it is critical to a business.
d. Develop a strategy for gaining/maintaining a competitive advantage.
e. Define design thinking and design an innovative solution using design thinking
principles.
4. Apply economic concepts when making decisions for an entrepreneurial venture. DOK3
a. Define goods and services.
b. Define opportunity costs and explain the importance when making decisions.
c. Explain factors of production.
d. Define scarcity of resources.
e. Explain the determinants of supply and demand and how they interact to determine
price.
f. Differentiate between the different types of market structures and analyze the effects on
market price.
g. Explain why demand is necessary to the success of an entrepreneurial venture.
5. Discuss what determines the cost of producing a good or service. DOK2
a. Describe the difference between fixed costs and variable costs.
b. Describe the impact of variable costs on pricing.
c. Describe the interrelationship between cost and price.
d. Conduct a break-even analysis.
6. Compute the difference between total revenue and total expenses and determine if a
business has a profit or loss. DOK4
a. Establish a profit goal and evaluate strategies to reach profitability.
b. Calculate gross and net profit.
7. Explore considerations of the global economy as it relates to entrepreneurship. DOK3
Unit 6: Management
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Develop a management plan for an entrepreneurial venture. DOK3
a. Define short-term and long-term goals.
b. Develop strategies for achieving goals.
c. Define mission statement.
d. Create a mission statement for a business venture.
e. Define exit plan.
f. Analyze exit plan options.
2. Describe the importance of a diverse workforce. DOK2
a. Discuss human cultural differences.
b. Compare and contrast business practices in different business cultures.
3. Explore human resource needs in an entrepreneurial venture. DOK3
a. Identify characteristics of a good employee.
b. Explain the risks and benefits of having friends and family members work in your
business.
c. Identify skills and traits needed in specific jobs and careers.
d. Discuss the typical employee compensation plan.
e. Identify situations where outsourcing staffing is beneficial (e.g., independent
contractors, temporary staffing, etc.).
4. Evaluate risks experienced in managing a business. DOK3
a. Define business risk.
b. Describe the risks faced by entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ventures.
c. Differentiate between types of risks (e.g., speculative vs. pure risk).
d. Select types of insurance needed for a business venture.
e. Describe an emergency plan.
Unit 7: Legal Concepts
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Analyze how forms of business ownership, government regulations, and legal regulations
affect entrepreneurial ventures. DOK3
a. Identify and define the different types of business ownership.
b. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of
business ownership.
c. Describe special types of business ownership (e.g., S Corporations, LLCs,
cooperatives, etc.).
d. Define franchise and describe the advantages and disadvantages of ownership in this
type of business.
e. Investigate procedures for forming a business entity.
f. Identify and evaluate the various types of laws and agencies that regulate businesses.
g. Discuss and analyze the impact of government regulations on businesses.
h. Identify licenses that a small business must obtain.
i. Identify ways of protecting ideas and inventions (e.g., patents, trademarks, copyright,
etc.).
Unit 8: Business Models, Lean Canvas, and Planning
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Develop a plan to launch and operate a business. DOK4
a. Describe why businesses must plan.
b. Compare and contrast traditional and lean startup business plans.
c. Define and describe a business model.
d. Compare and contrast business models and business plans.
e. Research business planning resources and information.
f. Develop a business plan for an entrepreneurial venture.
g. Evaluate the effectiveness of a business model for a particular business.
h. Identify opportunities to pivot a business model.
Student Competency Profile
Student’s Name: ___________________________________________
This record is intended to serve as a method of noting student achievement of the competencies
in each unit. It can be duplicated for each student, and it can serve as a cumulative record of
competencies achieved in the course.
In the blank before each competency, place the date on which the student mastered the
competency.
Unit 1: Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurial Skills
1. Examine the role entrepreneurs play in today’s economy and recognize the
unique personal characteristics and skills that successful entrepreneurs possess.
2. Identify the characteristics and skills of a successful entrepreneur.
3. Identify effective communication methods used in business.
4. Investigate ethical practices in business.
5. Evaluate the importance of collaboration in entrepreneurship.
Unit 2: Entrepreneurial Trends
1. Recognize trends in society that can lead to entrepreneurial opportunities.
2. Identify and capitalize on the importance of trends in entrepreneurship.
Unit 3: Idea Generation and Validation
1. Investigate lean startup methods to generate, develop, and test ideas to identify
market and business opportunities.
2. Discuss the value proposition as it relates to lean startups.
3. Test and validate solution ideas as it relates to product development.
Unit 4: Finance and Accounting
1. Identify financial resources necessary for an entrepreneurial venture.
2. Identify common sources from which entrepreneurs can obtain funding.
3. Recognize that entrepreneurs must establish, maintain, and analyze appropriate
records using financial concepts to make a business decision.
Unit 5: Marketing and Economics
1. Develop a marketing strategy to introduce a product or service.
2. Identify and describe the traditional elements of marketing, known as the 4 Ps
(i.e., product, price, place, promotion).
3. Explain strategies for sustaining and growing the market.
4. Apply economic concepts when making decisions for an entrepreneurial venture.
5. Discuss what determines the cost of producing a good or service.
6. Compute the difference between total revenue and total expenses and determine if
a business has a profit or loss.
7. Explore considerations of the global economy as it relates to entrepreneurship.
Unit 6: Management
1. Develop a management plan for an entrepreneurial venture.
2. Describe the importance of a diverse workforce.
3. Explore human resource needs in an entrepreneurial venture.
4. Evaluate risks experienced in managing a business.
Unit 7: Legal Concepts
1. Analyze how forms of business ownership, government regulations, and legal
regulations affect entrepreneurial ventures.
Unit 8: Business Models, Lean Canvas, and Planning
1. Develop a plan to launch and operate a business.
Appendix: National Standards for Business Education
National Standards for Business Education Crosswalk for Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
NBEA-E1 – Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurial Skills
• Examine the role entrepreneurs play in today’s economy and recognize the
unique personal characteristics and skills that successful entrepreneurs
possess.
NBEA-E2– Entrepreneurial Trends
• Recognize trends in society that can lead to entrepreneurial opportunities.
NBEA-E3 – Idea Generation and Validation (LEAN Startup)
• Use lean startup methods to generate, develop, and test ideas to identify
market and business opportunities.
NBEA-E4 – Economics
• Apply economic concepts when making decisions for an entrepreneurial
venture.
Units
Standards
NBEA-E1 Entrepreneurs and
Entrepreneurial Skills
X
NBEA-E2
Entrepreneurial Trends
X
NBEA-E3
Idea Generation and Validation
(LEAN Startup)
X
X
NBEA-E4
Economics
X
NBEA-E5
Marketing
X
NBEA-E6
Finance
X
NBEA-E7
Accounting
X
NBEA-E8
Management
X
NBEA-E9
Legal
X
NBEA-E10
Business Models and Planning
X
NBEA-E5 – Marketing
• Develop a marketing strategy to introduce a product or service.
NBEA-E6 – Finance
• Understand financial concepts and use the financial tools available to
make sound business decisions.
NBEA-E7 – Accounting
• Recognize that entrepreneurs must establish, maintain, and analyze
appropriate records to make business decisions.
NBEA-E8 –Management
• Develop a management plan for an entrepreneurial venture.
NBEA-E9 – Legal
• Analyze how forms of business ownership, government regulations, and
legal regulations affect entrepreneurial ventures.
NBEA-E10 – Business Models and Planning
• Develop a plan to launch and operate a business.
NBEA-MG12 – Operations Management
• Apply operations management principles and procedures to the design of
an operations plan.
NBEA-MG13 – Global Perspective
• Examine the issues of corporate culture and managing in the global
environment.